What To Feed A Dog With An Upset Stomach

When your dog has an upset stomach, it’s important to know what to feed them. Feeding your dog the wrong foods when they have an upset stomach can make things worse, which is the last thing you want for your poor pooch. The good news is there’s a lot of information out there about the foods dogs should and shouldn’t eat when they have an upset stomach, so you’re not completely in the dark.

The key to dealing with an upset stomach is choosing foods that won’t further irritate your dog’s stomach. In fact, there are certain foods your vet may recommend specifically because they’re easy on your dog’s stomach, including things like chicken and rice. Milder foods like this will give your dog something in their stomach and some nutritional value, which is important when your dog is vomiting up their food or not feeling well.

While there are foods you can feed your dog to help relieve an upset stomach, that doesn’t mean you should always treat an upset stomach at home. It’s also important to know when an upset stomach may be caused by something worse, and when you should take your dog to the vet. If your dog has an upset stomach, here’s what you need to know about the symptoms and causes, what to feed your dog, and when to see a vet.

• 5 Foods to Feed a Dog with an Upset Stomach
• Upset Stomach Symptoms
• Upset Stomach Causes
• When to See a Vet
• Upset Stomach Treatment
• Final Notes

5 Foods To Feed A Dog With An Upset Stomach

When your dog isn’t feeling well, you should look for mild foods that are easy to digest. If your dog doesn’t feel like eating anything, you shouldn’t force food on them. For more tips about what to feed a dog with stomach upset and how to make your dog feel more comfortable when they’re sick, consult a vet. 1-3

Pumpkin

If you look up what to feed your dog with an upset stomach, pumpkin puree will be on just about every list. Pumpkin is a good food for dogs with upset stomachs because it’s high in fiber, but it’s got a smooth texture, and animals seem to enjoy the taste. Simply buy a can of pumpkin puree and pour it into a bowl for your dog. Please note that pumpkin pie filling is different from pumpkin puree, so be sure to use just the pumpkin puree. You can learn more about how much pumpkin puree to feed your dog and how pumpkin helps an upset stomach by talking to your vet.

Chicken 

Meat is an essential part of a dog’s diet, but that meat usually comes processed in the form of treats or dog food. When your dog has an upset stomach and needs basic food, plain chicken is one of the best things to cook for them. As long as you don’t cover it in salt, pepper, and spices, chicken is very mild and easy for your dog to digest. Even better, you can pick up a pack of chicken breasts for a reasonable price, so it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to cook a healthy meal for your dog.

Chicken And Rice

Chicken may be a staple in the diet of a dog with an upset stomach, but chicken and rice is even better. White rice is very easy to digest and extremely mild in flavor, so it’s a great choice if you want to know what to feed a dog with an upset stomach. In fact, your vet might recommend feeding your dog a diet of chicken and rice if they’re experiencing gastrointestinal issues, such as an upset stomach or dog diarrhea. 

Bone Broth 

If you’re looking for something simple and nutritious that you can give your dog for an upset stomach, try bone broth. Bone broth is packed with nutrients and easy to digest, and you can buy a box or can of bone broth for a few bucks at most grocery stores. Keep in mind that bone broth is available from different animals, so your dog may prefer certain types of bone broth over others.

Baby Food

Baby food is designed to be so easy to digest that it’s fit for babies, so it’s no problem for a dog with an upset stomach. Most baby foods are just pureed fruits and vegetables, which means baby food is mild and typically high in nutrients. That being said, it’s best to talk to your vet before you feed your dog baby food, that way you’re not overfeeding them or feeding them the wrong food.

Upset Stomach Symptoms 

When your dog has an upset stomach, there are certain symptoms they’re likely to display. As a pet owner, you need to know how to recognize the symptoms of an upset stomach and when it’s time to take your dog to the vet.

If your dog isn’t feeling well because of an upset stomach, you may notice a loss of appetite and a decrease in thirst. Your dog may also seem fatigued and generally depressed, which can both result from a bad upset stomach. Other symptoms of upset stomachs in dogs include frequent stretching, gulping to combat reflux, and licking lips, the air, or an object frequently.

Upset Stomach Causes

The tricky part about your dog having an upset stomach is that it can be caused by so many things. Your dog might have eaten too much or eaten something they’re sensitive to or may have ingested a toxin. An upset stomach can even be caused by an improper balance of bacteria in your dog’s digestive tract, as well as chronic conditions they may have. Ultimately, it’s best to talk to a vet if your dog has an upset stomach that’s affecting their quality of life.1

When To See A Vet 

Visiting the vet can be a hassle, so you don’t want to do it every time your dog has an upset stomach. The truth is, knowing what to feed a dog with an upset stomach is usually enough to handle the situation on your own. Your dog’s upset stomach will probably go away with time and without medical intervention. However, that’s not always the case.

If you think your dog may have gotten into something poisonous, or if your dog has a stomach ache that persists for more than 24 hours, you should take them to the vet for a proper diagnosis. Early treatment is essential if your dog ate something poisonous.

Upset Stomach Treatment

The good news about dogs with upset stomachs is that there are treatment options. Treatment for an upset stomach depends on the underlying cause, but your dog’s upset stomach may simply go away on its own with time. In the meantime, you can focus on making sure your dog is comfortable and monitoring their condition to see if they’re getting better. If you notice your dog’s condition getting worse or if their upset stomach persists for more than 24 hours, you should take them to a vet to rule out anything serious.

Final Notes

When your dog has an upset stomach, there are lots of things you can feed them to help them feel better. Some foods that are good for dogs with upset stomachs include pumpkin, chicken and rice, and bone broth. However, you should always talk to your vet before making any major changes to your dog’s diet.

If you need help taking care of a dog with an upset stomach, telemedicine for pets is the simple answer. With Dutch, you can connect with vets in your area from the comfort of your home, so you can get expert advice and treatment plans online. If your dog has an upset stomach, try Dutch and connect with a vet today.